One of the primary benefits of massage therapy is that it stimulates the nerve endings in the myofascia, leading to a greater sense of interoception—a perception of what is felt within the body.All therapeutic interventions, of whatever sort, are a conversation between two intelligent systems. Whatever is happening to the tissue under our hands, we are also communicating with the client’s nervous system.Your nervous system is your meaning maker. The feeling of our touch has to be first taken in by the client’s sensory receptors, and then made meaningful in the central nervous system by comparison with earlier experiences.Manual therapists deal in perception and therefore must study how the brain perceives the body and the body-mind interface.Fascia, the Most Wired OrganThere is plenty that science has yet to learn about how we sense the body in motion, and how our clients make sense of our work in themselves.Fascia happens to be the most wired sensory organ in the body with more sensory nerves in it than you have even in your eye or your tongue, and it has maybe six times more sensory endings than your muscles.That body you call me is actually a community of about 70 trillion hard-working cells, all surrounded by a fascial network—a kind of sticky, greasy fabric that runs around all those cells and holds them firmly together, yet miraculously adjusts to shape and accommodate our every movement.The fascial network consists of fibers, made mostly from pliable collagen, stronger than steel, woven into ropes, nets and sheets.This web runs everywhere. It is very dense in your tendons and ligaments, and much looser in the breasts, cheeks or pancreas—but all your cells are wrapped into this weave.The other half of the fascial network is a transparent gel of variable mucopolysaccharides. (More simply: snot.)Basically, your cells are glued together by this mucous, which is everywhere. These sponge-like gels take many forms—the gel in your eyeball, the synovial fluid in the joints, the chondroitin of cartilage—and is more or less watery (hydrated) depending on where it is in the body and what condition it is in.Your various nerve endings—muscle spindles, Golgi Tendon Organs, Ruffini corpuscles and the rest, all modifications of stretch receptors—are woven and entwined into both the fibrous and the gluey parts of fascial matrix.One of the primary benefits of massage therapy is that it stimulates these nerve endings in the myofascia, leading, of course, to less somatic amnesia and a more sensitive appreciation of the body, a more complete body image.Fascia on the Front LineThe fascia of the skin and muscles has a lot to say to the brain about the mind-body connection—more than the muscles themselves. The fascia is on the front line for handling forces, and the various sensory nerves are its messengers to the brain.In studying how the brain monitors the body, generally known as kinaesthesia, scientists have distinguished proprioception and interoception.Proprioception is the awareness of one’s body, its position in space and how it is moving. Proprioception allows us to know where our various parts are in relation to one another, to bring a fork to our mouth and not our eye, to chuck a ball accurately or even walk.We coordinate our proprioceptive signals from our connective tissues and feet, and combine it with our vision and our vestibular information, and after a few “fally-down” months in our first year, we get pretty good at matching our inner sense of our body with the world outside.(Although you only have to step into a room whose floor was two inches lower than you thought it was going to be to understand how precisely your system “guesses” what it is about to encounter, and how it can be fooled.)Interoception was originally designated as the signals coming from our organs.Interceptors are also, like proprioceptors, mostly modifications of stretch receptors. Perception of stretch in the bladder or rectum tells us we need to find a bathroom. Lack of stretch in our stomach tells us it’s time to find lunch. Stretch receptors in our lungs modulate breathing, and similar receptors in our arteries help regulate blood pressure.In other words, interoception can be described as a sense of the physiological condition of the body, and thus a connection to how we feel about what we feel.We represent our body from within with interoception. By contrast, we represent how our body is relating to the outside world—what we are touching, what is its weight and what we are moving through—through proprioception.A nice distinction, but like many of our presumptions about the machinery of our body—never as simple as we would like it to be—not true.We have recently discovered that interoception extends into our musculoskeletal body as well as our organs. How you feel about what you feel is present in our movement self as well as our physiological self.Want to feel this? Simply hold one arm out to the side, level with your shoulder; in other words, shoulder abducted and elbow extended. Keep it there as you read on. Right from the beginning, you can appreciate the proprioception—the contraction in the deltoid and trapezius, the joint receptors telling you where your arm is without you having to look at it.As time passes, though, you will begin to notice other feelings. You will begin to look for excuses to take your arm down. It is not painful, exactly, and there is no tissue damage from holding your arm out there for a few minutes, but now we know it is the interoceptors that are letting you know how you feel about what you feel even in the fascia, muscles and joints.You can take your arm down anytime now, but it is an interesting test to leave your arm out there as long as possible to watch the process of interoception: how annoyed and agitated you can get as the sensations increase.Proprioception is emotionally neutral; interoception, from your organs or your musculoskeletal body, as emotion in it.Followers of Wim Hoff test themselves against these kinds of interoceptive feelings by taking ice baths and such, and there may well be value in expanding the limits of your sensation in this way.The feeling difference is because interoceptive endings tickle a different part of the brain than proprioceptive ones.According to fascial researcher Robert Schleip, Ph.D, “These sensations are triggered by stimulation of unmyelinated sensory nerve endings (free nerve endings) that project to the insular cortex rather than to the primary somatosensory cortex which is usually considered as the main target of proprioceptive sensations”Though interoceptive endings are important to help us maintain homoeostasis in the body, these sensations not only have a sensory, but also come with an affective, motivational or emotional aspect.The relief you felt when your mom rubbed your boo-boo had been ascribed to the gate control theory of pain, but the mechanism now appears to be through your interoceptors. You may still have the pain, but you feel better about it.Distressed interoception and altered insular processing is associated with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, alexythymia (emotional blindness), schizophrenic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and possibly fibromyalgia.It has been proposed that the neural pathways associated with interoception may be considered as a essential component for consciousness, a fundamental part of presence.3 Tools to Appreciate Your Own Felt SenseSlower movements. In bodywork, speed is the enemy of sensitivity. The slower you go, the more you feel.When we do slow movement practices like yoga or tai chi, when we allow the mind to move beyond the actual sequence (the proprioceptive aspect), we can shift our attention to how movements feel in the body (the interoceptive aspect).Try slowing your techniques down to be able to be able to listen deeply with your hands.

Simple breath meditation. This slowing down is extra special for the autonomic system when you apply it to the breath.

Focus on the coolness of the air as you inhale, and the warmth of the air as you exhale, and watch the feeling inside yourself as a result of the slower breath.

Change your routine. Take your autopilot experiences and turn them into something new.

Doing a particular sequence of yoga or training repetitively will develop mastery of the skill, but introducing novelty by changing your routine may give you access to a deeper listening.Even changing the position of your massage table in your room or the music you play during sessions may provide a finer tuning of your interoceptive awareness.

Self-massage. When using any self-myofascial release tool, such as a roller or balls, slow down and feel. You will invite a deep parasympathetic response and an overall deeper listening to both proprioceptive and interoceptive cues.

About the Author:Thomas Myers is the author of Anatomy Trains (Elsevier 2001, 2014) and co-author of Fascial Release for Structural Balance (North Atlantic, 2010). Myers has authored over 100 articles and 50 video programs on anatomy, the fascial network and postural manual therapy. Myers and his faculty offer continuing education for a variety of manual therapists worldwide, and professional certification in Anatomy Trains Structural Integration.

Massage therapy does not necessarily aid in weight loss on its own, but it can help reduce cellulite and make the skin smooth, and provide additional weight loss benefits when combined with fitness. It can also make it easier to stick with a difficult exercise program or diet by reducing stress, and increasing your metabolism by improving circulation. Massage treatment also keeps muscles tuned up and eliminates strains, and aches and pains, by reducing soreness. So by booking an appointment with a local massage service, you’re still working towards a healthy lifestyle.

How Does it Work?Wondering what the benefits of getting professional massage therapy are? In this section, we take a look at top ways that massage therapy can benefit and contribute to a healthy lifestyle. That way you have all of the information you need before you book a massage session.

Circulation

Professional body massages are a great way to improve circulation to muscle tissues. The massage therapist will use their skills and expertise to effectively manipulate and soothe muscle tissue. This can help blood circulate properly.When your blood is circulating properly it can also boost your metabolism. When your metabolism works correctly it helps you to process nutrients at a good rate, rather than storing them as fat. This can help you stay on track for your weight loss goals.Not to mention that when your muscles are feeling their best you’ll be more likely to stick with your fitness plans, rather than skipping them because of aches.

Stress ReliefFeeling stressed? A massage is a great way to reduce stress and unwind. It can also make it easier to stick with a difficult exercise program. When you’re less stressed and know you can look forward to a regular massage to soothe sore muscles, it will motivate you to reach your goals that much more.Stress relief can also benefit those who find they eat when stressed. The less stressed you are the better you’ll be able to avoid stress snacking on unhealthy things like chips or candy. By avoiding these stress-snacks you won’t have to backtrack to work out any over indulging and instead you can continue to move forward towards your goals.Top Tip – If you do find you are stress-eating more often, remember to pack healthy snacks with you like apple slices, nuts, berries, and vegetables. That way you won’t be as tempted to eat unhealthily and fall behind on your goals.

Reduce CelluliteAs well as blood circulation and stress relief, massage therapy at a local massage service will help you to tone your body by reducing the cellulite that you have. With less cellulite you might find yourself feeling more confident as well! This can boost your mood and inspire you to stick with your goals.

Improve Digestive IssuesIf you’re experiencing digestive issues, an abdominal massage can also be an effective way to soothe digestion. As mentioned above it also helps to improve circulation which is linked with an increase in your metabolism, and a healthy metabolism can also help heal digestive issues.

Can a Massage on Its Own Help With Weight Loss?When you’re trying to lose weight with a healthy living routine then it’s important to ensure you have a complete routine that is balanced. This means that unfortunately your massage won’t help you lose all the weight you’d like to on its own. However, by combining regular massage therapy with personal training or a fitness routine and healthy meals you’ll make great progress towards your goals.Fitness will help you to work up a sweat, strengthen muscles while losing fat, and give you the energy you need to keep pushing yourself towards your goals. Then, healthy eating will provide you with the nutrients that are essential to sustaining a healthy work out. With healthy meals you’ll also feel more full and satisfied and less likely to reach for junk food. Plus, when your routine is balanced it will be less stressful trying to achieve your weight loss goals and you might even discover you enjoy working out!Conclusion

​While simply booking a massage won’t effectively help you lose weight on its own, it can be combined with a healthy, nutritious meal plan and exercise to boost weight loss.If you’re in the midst of a weight loss routine and finding the routine quite stressful then take a minute to book a local massage service. This will help you soothe muscles, reduce, stress, and boost relaxation so you can stick with your weight loss goals. Before you know it you’ll be feeling motivated to achieve your best!

Knee Osteoarthritis Patients Can Lower Pain with Massage and Patellar Mobilization Therapy​Emily Lunardo| Health News|We often think of massages as a romantic activity, performed between partners as an intimate gesture. The reality is that massage therapy is just that: a form of therapy that helps to reduce muscle strain and tenderness. Further, massage can be used to treat any number of conditions causing chronic pain, such as arthritis or osteoarthritis, which affects more than 30 million people in the United States.New research suggests that massages might actually be able to help osteoarthritis patients to reduce their symptoms of pain and increase their mobility. “Massage therapy is one of the most popular complementary medicine interventions,” said the study’s lead author Adam Perlman. “At a time when people are looking for effective non-medication options for pain, this study provides further evidence that massage has a potential role, at least for those suffering with osteoarthritis.”The researchers recruited 200 osteoarthritis patients for the study. The participants were divided into three experimental groups based on the type of therapy they were assigned to receive. One group received a weekly, one-hour, full body massage for an eight-week period. The second experimental group participated in a light-touch control treatment and the control group were instructed to continue their regular treatment plan.After the initial eight-week period of treatment, the participants were randomly reassigned to one of the three therapy groups for the longer follow-up period of a year. Some participants may have remained in the same group to which they were initially assigned, but others were assigned to a new group to receive a different type of therapy for the remainder of the study period.Weekly Massage the Most Effective Therapy for OsteoarthritisEvery two months, the researchers assessed the participants using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, which measures pain, stiffness, and functional limitations, including a patient’s ability to climb stairs, stand up from sitting or lying down, bend, walk, and get out of a car.At the initial eight-week point, participants in the massage group showed better scores on the index questionnaire than those in either of the other two groups. The therapy helped to improve their pain, stiffness, and physical function.Interestingly, after the 52-week follow up period had finished, the researchers noted that the participants in the massage group maintained the benefits achieved within the first eight weeks but did not show any additional improvements or new benefits received from the therapy.At the 52-week mark, there were no significant changes between all three groups. This indicates that massage therapy may offer the same benefits as other therapies but at a faster rate.For the future, medical practitioners treating patients newly diagnosed with osteoarthritis may want to recommend a course of massage therapy as the initial treatment plan, followed by a continued use of pain medications or other standard therapies to maintain the benefits sustained from the massage therapy. Future research will be needed to fully understand how massage can be implemented into treatment for osteoarthritis patients.

Author BioEmily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 201

DIANA ACHIENGShareTweetPinShareShareThere are some important and interesting facts I found out that blew me away! Thanks to my writing I come across a lot of new knowledge. I take in and share the positive and dismiss the negative. And the topic for today is Breast massage! I shared it with my circle of friends and including me tried it out. Most people ignore this practice and have assumed it to be only for sexual stimulation. I thought so too. I was wrong.After trying it out we’ve noticed an improvement in our health, moods, the appearance of our breast and boost in our self-confidence. With this massive improvement, I thought of sharing this with all of you. The facts are in!

OVERVIEWBody massage comes with a lot of benefits, but did you know that specifically, breast massage has its own set of benefits? Breasts are just amazing. They not only enhance a woman’s physical appearance but are able to transform fluids into baby milk; they are connected to our inner pleasure and surprisingly act as stress relievers for our men. There are many reasons to honor and nourish our breasts for ourselves and those around us.Breast massage is one of the most efficient and scientifically proven methods to help take care and nourish your breasts. Taking time to massage your breast may not be your daily norm but it’s one thing you should add to your morning or evening schedule.You can do self-massage, go for massage therapy or have your partner do it for you. Either way, as long as it is done the right way massaging your melons has amazing health and appearance benefits. So what is the right way? What are the benefits?STRUCTURE OF BREASTThe breast is a highly complex organ. It undergoes more changes than any other body organ – from birth, puberty, pregnancy breastfeeding all through to menopause. Women’s breast, each is made of specialized tissues known as glandular tissue which is organized into 15- 20 sections called lobes where milk is produced.

The nipple is made up of tubes that connect and come together and exit the skin. The lobes are joined to the nipple by tubes (6-8) called ducts. The ducts transport milk, connect and come together and exit the skin in the nipple. The black or brown area that surrounds the nipple is called areola.The inner part of the breast is surrounded by fatty tissues that determine the size and gives the breasts its soft consistency. Connective tissues and ligaments provide support to the breast and give it its shape. It has nerves that provide sensation to the breast. Lymph nodes in the breast are responsible for collecting and draining out excess fluid, toxins, waste and any other unwanted substances. The breasts also contain blood vessels, lymph nodes, and lymph vesselsREASONS FOR BREAST MASSAGEBreast massage is a relaxing, invigorating, energy-releasing, and healthful anti-aging practice that you literally got at your fingertips.Reduce risk of Breast cancer

Scientific research has shown that massaging your breasts helps significantly in reducing risks of Breast Cancer. “Nipple stimulation encourages blood flow and promotes the production of a useful female hormone such as Prolactin, oxytocin, and estrogen which encourages cells to expel cancer-causing chemicals from breast ducts,” says Professor Tim Murrell, of the Department of Community Medicine, at the University of Adelaide.Massaging breasts regularly helps you keep check of your condition and identify any unusual changes so you can seek medical attention early enough. It also helps stimulate the lymphatic system which is responsible for draining harmful substances.Improve the Lymphatic systemLymphatic system in your breasts which is made up of lymph nodes responsible for draining harmful substances; extend all the way into your armpits. Massaging breast increases blood flow and in turn, can help clear your body of toxins trapped in the lymphatic system.For effective stimulation of the lymphatic system, you could use a technique suggested by Dr. David Williams, a medical researcher, biochemist and one of the world’s leading experts in natural healing, featured this breast massage technique on his website as a key recommendation for breast health.

Remove your bra and lie on a flat comfortable surface with some privacy. Raise one arm and rest it so your hand is relaxed over your head.

Using your other hand stimulate the nipple of the opposite breast gently. For example, you would use your left hand to stimulate your right nipple. Lightly rub, press or squeeze the nipple. This will help prep the breast for increased lymph drainage.

After the nipple is stimulated, lightly cup the lower portion of your breast, then gently squeeze and press and then let go. Repeat this motion several times while slowly moving the motion towards the side of your breast until you reach a point in your underarm until the breast tissue has completely tapered off.

Increase pleasureBreast massage not only leads to perky breasts but it also for relaxing and sensational feeling. It helps reduce stress, relieve sore muscles and increase pleasure. As said earlier breast massage enhances secretion of oxytocin. Oxytocin hormone is usually produced in the brain and is involved in childbirth and breastfeeding. It also triggers emotions such as trust, empathy and sexual activity.

It is mostly referred to as the “love hormone”. Females have them at higher levels than men. If you are a man and you want to keep your woman I think you have a hint on what to do. It also has benefits such as reducing depression and anxiety.Perhaps a woman participates in activities, exercises, or sports that strain your chest or breast muscles leaving them feeling sore; soft and gentle breast massage can help ease the tension in your muscles. According to the website, “Simply rubbing an area can have a demonstrable analgesic effect.Massage eases soreness in the tissues, reduces pain and swelling in the breasts and relaxes tightness or tension in the ligaments. Breast massage is particularly useful in soothing the pain associated with breast scarring.”For a more sensational feeling, you can have your partner do it for youImprove breast appearanceAs women, we need to look good. Men also need their women to look good. What better way than enhancing our appearance and in turn boosts your confidence? Massaging your breast regularly and I mean regularly twice or at least once a day will help shape, tone and make your breast more firm.

Massage increases blood flow thus tissues will be well oxygenated and detoxified. It also tightens and tones the tendons and muscles lifting the breasts to prevent sagging. It also enhances the release of prolactin hormone which enlarges the breast. Both Women and men love this PerkYou may not know this but massaging breast van also helps a woman look younger. Breast massage enhances secretion of three youthful hormones known as prolactin, oxytocin, and estrogen. A Combination of this three act as a powerful anti-aging hormone. Many women look for drugs injection and other substances to keep them younger not knowing their body already has these anti-aging hormone all you need to do is stimulate their secretion by regularly breast massage. Have everything done the natural way, no side effect. Who doesn’t like a confident woman? A woman who looks good? Build your confidence.Lactating womenResearch suggests that breast massage can have benefits for lactating mothers. In other study, researchers found out that breast massage has greatly increased the quality of breast milk when practices in the first year after delivery.There’s a growing amount of research suggesting that breast massage may have many benefits for lactating women.

Massage can also increase the flow of milk. The combination of sucking and massage work well to both empty and encourage more milk production in the milk ducts. It may also prevent issues like engorgement, plugged milk ducts or mastitis an infection of the breast tissue.HOW TO MASSAGE BREASTNow that you already know why breast needs a massage, let us find out the right way of doing it in order to attain the mentioned benefits.

Breast massage is done braless. Just like any massage direct contact to your skin for effective results

Check the temperature of your hands. You are going to use your hands for this exercise thus they are required to be warm

If you are doing it by yourself. Use your right hand for the left breast and left hand for the right breast

Cup one hand above the breasts with your fingertips going slightly into the armpits and the thumb on the front of the chest. Gently squeeze this area in a rhythmic pumping motion. Move around the upper outside under part of the breast, around the nipple and back towards the armpit. Alternately you can gently squeeze or pump in a circular motion more like self-examining. You can also try with a faster slower firmer or softer grip. The point is it should feel good. Do it for five to ten minutes per breast

Gently place your hands on the breast with your fingers spread around them. Massage inward in a circular motion. Your right hand should move clockwise and the left anti-clockwise. Each rub should last for a couple of seconds. If you happen to feel soreness then reduce the pressure. Massage for at least five minutes

You can use either method five or six depending on which feels better or do both- one after the other. The bottom line is you need to do it regularly. Breast massage helps you examine and know your breast so that you could quickly notice any abnormality. To maximum results, you need to practice daily for at least a month. Natural therapy does not harm your breast, on the contrary, makes them healthier and better. Unlike using medication or going for surgery. It might give you first results but might damage sensitive tissues that could lead to future side effects.Breast massage can help improve your health, enhance your appearance, increase milk flow for lactating mothers, ward off cancer, and make you look younger and your breast firmer. If it can get you all these with nothing to lose and everything to gain, why not do it?

​Sure, a massage can definitely feel good. But can it provide actual health advantages? While many studies have suggested both physical and psychological benefits, it should be kept in mind that much of it is preliminary.Remember to consult a doctor if you are considering massage therapy to treat any condition. With that being said, here are five benefits that have been found by researchers.1. Relieve soreness, painThe marketing of massages often revolves around the benefit of pain relief, often targeted at those who develop soreness caused by stress and sedentary lifestyles. For example, deep tissue massages can help with pain that affects specific muscles, such as a backache from sitting all day at the office.Even those who suffer from chronic forms of pain may see short-term improvements in symptoms, research suggests. Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia and arthritis may speak to a doctor and consider massage therapy to complement their treatment.2. Mental health benefitsThough it has been difficult to conduct controlled studies, a number of findings have suggested that massage therapy can help those with mood disorders. In a study by Emory University, patients reported reduced symptoms of anxiety after opting for a few sessions of Swedish massage therapy.Similar results have emerged in other studies involving people with depression, though limited. Massage therapists emphasize the importance of a "nurturing touch" which can provide a sense of emotional comfort, comparing it to the positive effects of receiving a consensual hug.3. Improved sleep qualityIn a study by the University of Miami School of Medicine, participants reported a reduction in sleep disturbances after they booked two 30-minute massage sessions per week.Of course, a reduction in lower back pain — something all the participants in the study faced — can obviously contribute to a higher quality of sleep. But some researchers have also suggested massage therapy can boost your levels of serotonin, which plays an important role in regulating our sleep.4. Treating sports injuriesMassages might not only speed up the recovery of existing injuries but could also reduce inflammation and improve the flexibility of our muscles, thus reducing the risk of future sports-related injuries. This can also improve your performance in physical activities, be it running or yoga. "A sports massage will concentrate on either facilitating healing of a previous activity-caused injury, preventing an injury, or enhancing performance and endurance," said Eva Carey, national massage therapist director for the company Zeel.5. Immune system boost"One of the benefits of massage is that it leads to an increase in the circulation of white blood cells," said Mark Rapaport, a professor and chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University.Lymphocytes — which are white blood cells that help in fighting off infections — were found to increase in people who received a Swedish massage in a study by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

On December 20, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the Agriculture and Nutritional Act, or Farm Bill, an $867 billion initiative with strong bipartisan support.The bill passed in the Senate on December 11, by a vote of 87-13; the House of Representatives passed it the following day with a vote of 386-47.Legalizing Industrial HempAmong the provisions of the Farm Bill is the legalization of industrial hemp, a strain of cannabis critical to the U.S.’s rapidly growing industry of products containing cannabidiol, or CBD, a non-psychotropic chemical in hemp that its users and a number of scientific studies say has many therapeutic benefits, including pain relief.The CBD industry includes CBD-infused topical products, such as pain-relieving massage oils, creams and salves, as well as oils, tinctures and nutritional supplements meant to be taken internally.Before the Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp, many CBD products were already on the market and popular with massage therapists, but they existed in a legal gray area because marijuana, Cannabis sativa, remains federally illegal. (Marijuana has been legalized for medicinal use in 33 U.S. states and recreational use in 10 states, reported Business Insider.)CBD is derived from industrial hemp, Cannabis sativa indica, a non-psychotropic strain of the plant containing negligible amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which produces the “high” typically connected with marijuana use.The Farm Bill is a huge win for the CBD industry but does not create a completely free system where anyone can grow hemp whenever or wherever they want. In order to be classified as industrial hemp, it cannot contain more than 0.3 percent THC. States will also have to submit plans to license and regulate hemp to the USDA before operations can commence.CBD could become a $20 billion industry by 2022, CNBC reported.CBD and Massage TherapyMASSAGE Magazine has often reported on the use of CBD in the bodywork industry. While massage is already being used as an alternative to opioid medications for addressing pain, topical products containing CBD could greatly enhance the effects of manual therapy.While science continues to explore the benefits of CBD, its ever-changing legal status has made some massage therapists hesitant to include these products in their sessions or carry them for retail sale to clients. The passage of the Farm Bill will change all that.Other Farm Bill ProvisionsIn addition to industrial hemp legalization, the Farm Bill also expanded farming subsidies and provided funding for some food initiatives, including farmers markets. An earlier provision dropped from the final version of the bill would have placed new rules and restrictions on SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps).MASSAGE Magazine will update this article with any new information as it becomes available.About the AuthorAllison M. Payne is the associate editor of MASSAGE Magazine and Chiropractic Economics.

Ron Allton, a masseuse and musician from Athens, Georgia, gives Rachel Guthrie, a retiree of the University of Georgia extension service in Oconee County from Laurel, Mississippi, a massage at the Women in Business Luncheon organized by the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Graduate on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, in Athens, Georgia. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit the Women in Business Scholarship.

Editor's NoteThe Red & Black publishes opinions from a number of contributors and staff columnists. Their opinions do not reflect the opinions of the editorial staff. The editorial staff is in no way involved with the opinion pieces published with the exception of editorials. Editorials are written by the editorial board consisting of the opinion editor, managing editor and editor-in-chief. Editorials are clearly marked EDITORIAL at the beginning.This article is from contributor Mara Nelms, a junior journalism major.

When you hear the word “massage,” your first thought is probably of luxury. Maybe you imagine a spa day or a smiling stock photo person with little cucumber slices over their eyes. You probably don’t think of it as an important part of your health routine.“Massage is good for overall relaxation,” said Valerie Blakley, a licensed massage therapist practicing in Winder, Georgia. “Even though we have not always related massage to health benefits — we’ve looked at massage more like a luxury — [there are] far more benefits health-wise than as a luxury.”Relief or reduction of both physical and mental pain is massage’s most well-known benefit. Countless studies have linked massage to pain management, including one in2016which reviewed the results of over 60 studies looking at the use of massage for pain relief. A2015study also found that brief, twice-weekly massage sessions significantly reduced the stress of nurses working in intensive care units.Personally, a good source of stress relief is valuable enough to be worth the time, money, and effort.Scientifically, the research has been more clear on the evidence that massage does work than the evidence onhow it works. For most people, the fact that it works is enough. As a result, massage therapy is used to treat or alleviate symptoms for a variety of conditions.“I think more doctors are starting to recognize that,” Blakley said. “That’s why more doctors and chiropractors and even hospitals are starting to hire massage therapists into their practice.”However, insurance carriers haven’t caught up. Of all the ways health insurance companies in the United States short their clients, refusing to cover massage therapy is hardly the most egregious, but it remains one of many things that should change to reflect a new understanding.“De-stressing, anxiety, depression, blood circulation… fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, chronic fatigue, insomnia. Massage is good for so many things I could not begin to list them all here,” Blakley said.Money is not the only barrier to incorporating massage into your routine.“There are some people who can’t go to [get a] massage, not necessarily because of money. They just can’t seem to carve out the time,” Blakley said. “My own schedule is so busy, I have had to incorporate self-massage.”Self-massage is an important and viable alternative to a licensed massage therapist.“There are certain things you can do to give yourself relief at home,” Blakley said.She recommends that people interested in self-massage seek out books on pressure points or look upself-massage instructionson the internet.“Whatever you do to keep yourself healthy, massage should be incorporated at least once a month,” said Blakley.Certainly it doesn’t hurt anyone to give massage therapy a try. At the very least, you’ll come out a little more relaxed for the wear.

Vet Hansel answers your questions about pet care in this weekly advice column, created in partnership with the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA). It will also be highlighting each week some of the animals in the BSPCA sanctuary, in the hope of finding each of them a loving home.Question: What are the benefits of massage for dogs?Answer: Massage therapy for animals is a touch technique used to maintain and improve physical and mental health.Animal massage causes your pet’s body to release endorphins, natural chemicals that relieve pain and make your pet feel good.Massage can strengthen the bond between you and your pet. A good massage can help any dog reduce anxiety and it’s a proven stress-reliever; any dog can benefit from that.You might find it particularly helpful if your dog is easily worried or stressed; a nightly massage can help to relax him and establish a comforting routine.Another important aspect is improved blood circulation which helps the entire body with its day to day functioning.Dogs with arthritis can benefit greatly from this practice. The act of pressuring and releasing muscles causes blood flow to increase, which heals and benefits your dog’s entire body.However, proceed slowly at first, as a massage may be somewhat foreign to your dog.Chances are, once your dog realises how good a massage feels, he’ll come to look forward to the treatment, and will associate you with being the one who provides it.How to massage your dog:Have your dog lie down on a soft but firm surface; no pillows or cushions – that may cause the dog to twist or bend in unexpected ways.Start with soft, slow strokes from head to tail.Scratch behind the ears, rub along the cheeks and under the chin, over the nose, between the eyes. Always use light pressure and small, circular strokes; nothing fast, hard or abrupt.When you move to the neck, shoulders and chest, it’s perfectly fine to gather small folds of loose skin for a gentle pinch. You can use three fingers on each side of the leg, too, rubbing softly in opposite directions. You can even give the paws a prolonged and gentle squeeze, if your dog is comfortable with having his or her feet handled (not all are).Walk your thumb and index finger down the length of the spine; not on the spine, but along the long muscles on each side.End with those long, slow strokes again.Throughout the massage, take your time. When your dog is ready for it to end he’ll make it clear, usually by becoming restless or unco-operative; stop immediately.Dr Hansel is a veterinary consultant and surgeon for the BSPCA and Charis Vets. Please send your questions to bspca@batelco.com.bh

​If you’re anything like me, the anticipation of receiving a massage can feel a lot like the build up to going on a great vacation.

But instead of a long weekend, you’re in for an afternoon of relaxation with significant health benefits, ranging from decreased back pain to improvement in symptoms of depression and anxiety.It’s a welcome break from the world.But it does require the all-important first step: booking the appointment.As obvious as the benefits are, both physically and mentally, booking your first appointment can be a bit nerve-wracking, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Will the massage therapist be a man or a woman? What should you do if you feel uncomfortable?A common misconception is that massage is a one-size-fits-all therapy. Many people don’t understand that it’s supposed to be an extremely customizable and personalized experience, based on individual needs and comfort level.So, what should you expect during your first massage session—and how can you make sure the experience is as enjoyable as possible?Communicate Before, During & After the SessionBefore your appointment begins, your massage therapist should take a few minutes to get to know your health history, determine how your body is feeling to you, and discuss what you’d like to get out of the session.During this discussion, it’s your opportunity to communicate your needs, concerns, and any areas you prefer to have specifically worked with and conversely, the areas you would like the therapist to avoid.If you’ve never had a massage before, you may discover you like, dislike or need to adjust something during your session. Always be sure to speak up and let the massage therapist know what you need.Whether it’s more pressure, less music or additional draping, there should always be an open line of communication between you and your therapist to make you as comfortable as possible, at all times.Understand the Power DifferentialIt’s important to be aware of the power differential that can take place once you’re on the table.Many times, people don’t speak their needs as clearly when they are on a massage table, and a clothed professional is standing over them. It can inhibit a lot of people from communicating their needs on pressure, table temperature, or if the draping doesn’t feel comfortable.The good news is massage therapists are trained to use leading questions to help you feel at ease.For example, in terms of asking about pressure, rather than the therapist asking how the pressure is on the table, they should ask you whether you’d like more, less or the same amount of pressure, so you can articulate what you want. This feedback is important for you and for them throughout the massage session.Like communication in any new relationship, it’s normal to feel a bit awkward communicating with your massage therapist at first. Rest assured that for the therapist, this feedback and information is a normal part of their service, so that may take some of the apprehension out of asking for what you need.With time and experience, you should find yourself becoming more and more at ease.Know What you Like.There are several different approaches to massage. Swedish massage, sometimes also referred to as sports massage, tends to be more of a gliding massage that uses oil-based lubricants, so the therapist is actually gliding and kneading the tissue.Other types of massage, such as myofascial massage, might include static holding of the skin and a light stretch that would include little or no lotion on the hands, so it’s actually engaging the tissue in a more direct way without the glide.Then you have various forms of bodywork like shiatsu, where there is digital compression being applied from the thumbs without any lotion or oil, as well as Thai massage, where you’re fully clothed during the massage.There are many approaches and modalities of massage. So, it depends on you and what type of touch you personally find meaningful and helpful as well as gives you the results you are seeking.Face Up or Face Down?Whether you are face up or down, you can expect to always be as comfortable as possible. There are many ways that a massage therapist can adjust, using pillows or bolsters, to make you more comfortable, depending on your body size and range of motion in your neck and shoulders.When you’re face up, it’s the facial and head massage, and kneading of the arms, feet and legs. When you’re face down, it’s more of a full-back experience.Something to look out for when you are face down is that your sinuses may act up after approximately 15 to 20 minutes.It’s certainly okay to turn your head to the side or come down on the table to be in a traditional belly position, with the pillow at your head. If you’re uncomfortable, or if you’re feeling pressure on your sinus cavity or forehead from the cradle, just communicate with your therapist and they will adjust you.More often than not, they will notice you moving around before you even realize you’re uncomfortable and can adjust your position.Draping Keeps You Safe & SecureUltimately, there are some main reasons why you are draped with a sheet at all times during a massage. The first is for protecting your modesty, the second is for warmth and comfort and finally, the drape provides a physical boundary between client and therapist, defining where the therapist’s hands may touch and where they can’t.Dressing down to your personal comfort level should be the instruction from any professional massage therapist and that will look different for every person.Regardless of how much clothing you choose to take off or keep on, the drape should only uncover the area being worked with and should always cover the genitals and breast tissue.Ultimately, proper draping should make you feel safe and comfortable, and you should never question if you are being exposed. This is typically the biggest fear for clients, but a safe drape will leave no question in your mind that the parts of yourself that you want covered are covered, and the only part of your body that isn’t covered is the part that they are working on at that moment.What to Do After the MassageYour massage therapist should give you a professional recommendation at the conclusion of your massage session. These recommendations could include how often you should get a massage, benefits of regular massage as well as a piece of self-care you can take away from the session to increase the cumulative effects of your massage.Examples of this might include rolling a golf ball under your foot, a particular stretch for a muscle group or paying attention to how you use your arms while driving.Massage usually isn’t a one-and-done therapy, and it’s important to know what you should do between sessions to enhance the positive effects.Overall, while the massage therapist is the expert on massage, you’re in control of what happens during the session.A good massage should be enjoyable, meaningful and helpful. It’s important you feel empowered to ask for what you need, from the amount of clothing you leave on, to the pressure you want, to the types of oil and lotion you prefer or the temperature on the table.You know your body better than anyone, and by communicating that with your therapist, you will have the most beneficial experience possible.Hopefully, that experience is one you will want to repeat over and over again.About the Author:Eric Stephenson is Chief Wellness Officer for Elements Massage, which is one of the fastest-growing therapeutic massage franchises in the nation. It was the first national consumer massage franchise brand in the U.S. to offer Himalayan Salt Stone Massages and recently rolled out AromaRitual, the brand’s newest line of exclusive aromatherapy treatments. Eric has contributed to the brand’s growth in becoming one of the largest providers of massage therapy in the U.S. In addition, Stephenson is co-founder of imassage Inc. and a board member of the International Spa Association.